By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, April 22: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) Sarawak has seized 1.92 million sticks of cigarettes and 5,988 litres of liquor believed to be untaxed in a raid on an abandoned warehouse here, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM1.96 million.
In a statement today, Customs Sarawak director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the operation by Bintulu Enforcement Division was conducted at about 5pm on March 30, 2026, following intelligence gathered by officers.
“A team raided an unmarked, abandoned warehouse and discovered large quantities of suspected contraband, including cigarettes and liquor believed to fall under prohibited import items under the Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 2023. All goods were seized for further investigation,” he said.
Based on estimates provided, the cigarettes and liquor seized were valued at RM473,820, with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM1,491,192.72, bringing the total seizure value to RM1,965,012.72.
Norizan said the warehouse was allegedly used as a storage site for smuggled goods before distribution into the local market.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession or storage of untaxed or prohibited imported goods. Upon conviction, offenders may face heavy fines, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Norizan also urged members of the public to assist authorities in combating smuggling activities involving cigarettes, liquor, drugs, firecrackers, and vehicles, stressing that such activities not only result in significant revenue losses but also pose threats to national security and public safety.
The department encouraged the public to channel information on smuggling activities via its toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or through the nearest customs office, assuring that all informants’ identities will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
